THAI EDUCATION AND THE 21st CENTURY SKILLS: A PROPOSAL FOR A NEW WORLD OF WORK

Abstract

In the 21^st century, a high technology, information and communication industry, and a complicated service industry make up a substantial part of the economy and development of the world. Science and technology create various alterations in producing goods and services. Digital device has taken the place of analog equipment. Travelling has been made faster by technology. Almost all business transactions can be completed electronically. Communication can also be done through various devices conveniently. Machines in most manufacturing companies are computerized making manual work easier. Modern trading is the norm in business overshadowing conventions of traditional businesses. The future world of work will be beyond the present norms. It means that Thai society needs a labor force equipped with more up-to-date knowledge and skills in information and communication technology. Change is inevitable but Thai can see this as an opportunity for change. Thai academic and vocational education can take the opportunity to make a proper change accordingly. Though academic education and vocational education are different in terms of their objectives, curriculum structures, and practice, they both need to be adjusted to such change so that the Thai graduates would fit the 21^st century labor force and the needs of the country.